Chapter 38
Chapter 38
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Omen of the Raid - 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To fend off the Iron Blood Clan's assault and ensure no one from the Crimson Star Sect dies, there's a mountain of work to do.
Not just for me, but for the Crimson Star Sect as well.
That's why we've been running around nonstop these past few days.
Of course, I wasn't worried that the Crimson Star Sect would screw it up.
Unlike the old days when they were scraping by on a shoestring budget and Hongryeon had to hustle just to keep things afloat, the sect now had breathing room, which meant the odds of mistakes were way down.
I reread the letter to double-check there were no slip-ups in the tasks assigned to the Crimson Star Sect, then called over a Postal Gate disciple.
I handed him the order form for the Azure Merchant Group, the letter and silver pouch for Sayoon, and headed straight for the county office.
Even under the high moon, the place was buzzing with soldiers.
"Ah, come on in."
One of the military officers I'd gotten familiar with greeted me with a grin. Maybe because of my earlier request?
The county magistrate had started personally leading the soldiers in training more often.
But that wasn't all.
"The troops have really bulked up."
"Haha, yeah. Last time, you did such a great job investigating the Demonic Cult at the inn. Central sent reinforcements just in case they come back swinging."
The numbers had tripled from before, and these new elite soldiers geared for demonic foes looked sharp—top-notch gear, high morale, real skill.
"You've all been working hard. Is the magistrate inside?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Shall I fetch him?"
"Nah, I'll head in. And with all the training, I'll send over a few pigs to help out."
"Whoa, we keep freeloading off you..."
"Hahaha, it's nothing. Take care, everyone."
I patted the sheepish officer's shoulder and went inside. Coming here so often lately? A few officials smiled and nodded hello.
"Welcome."
He was even decked out in full armor, ready to join the drills. Over drinks, he'd bragged about his pre-posting days fighting demons and beasts in the military.
Suited up like that, he cut quite the figure.
As I entered, the helmetless magistrate smiled back at my greeting.
"Sorry to drop by when you're swamped."
"Nonsense, don't say that. Sit."
He poured the tea himself. I sipped and chatted about recent goings-on before easing into the point.
"Heard about the new gear from the Azure Merchant Group?"
"Mm? Oh yeah, I know."
"I'm thinking of stocking some... Mind supplying the office?"
"Sounds good. What's the price?"
"Here..."
He showed the quoted amount, pondered, then nodded. It was fair, and he knew the Azure Merchant Group, so no big worries.
If there were rival merchants in town or others sniffing around, maybe, but no.
And blood's thicker than water, right?
All that goodwill I'd built up with him over meals was paying off.
"You've helped me out plenty, innkeeper. No issues there... Shall I stamp it now?"
"Much appreciated."
The magistrate stamped with a grin.
"By the way, innkeeper. You hear about the unorthodox sects stirring?"
"Stirring how?"
"Word is sword-for-hire bandits are on the move nearby. No clue what they're after, but worst case, they hit us. Don't worry, though—with these troops, we won't sit idle."
Sure, the reinforcements were for the Demonic Cult, but as their commander, he'd decide how to deploy them.
"Speaking of, could we settle up on this shipment after harvest? End of fall?"
"Of course. We just harvested barley, got some spare cash."
"That's a relief!"
An army's an army—money just standing there. Especially these unexpected elites for the demonic threat: hearty eaters and drinkers, tough on the county's wallet.
Higher-ups would say "We sent troops, what more do you want?" while dipping into reserves.
Delaying payment a bit? No sweat.
"One more thing... Could you ask the Crimson Star Sect for a favor?"
Unorthodox turning bandit was common; counties often begged martial artists for help against them.
He knew my ties to the sect, so via me for backup experts if needed.
"I'll ask. But if they're gunning for the Crimson Star Sect..."
I trailed off; he laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! They've been patrolling for village safety—can't wash our hands of that. If so, we'll hold the line."
"Thank you."
"Nah, I owe you more."
What're you saying.
I owe you.
This sealed another card to defend the Crimson Star Sect and counter the Iron Blood Clan.
Good thing I'd cozyed up to the magistrate.
A few days after sending the new product order to the Azure Merchant Group.
Just in case, I had scouts patrolling village outskirts daily and sent Chaejin to recon the area. She'd grumbled about bodyguard duty, but my earnest plea won her over.
Today, after seeing her off, I was handling business as usual when the errand boy called me down.
There, in front of the inn: carts flying a familiar banner.
"Oh, Master Yu."
"Hello."
Our recent order from the Azure Merchant Group.
Escorting it: none other than the expert with the moniker Ghostly Express, Ki Cha-jo, and the stoic but reliable spearman from Island Flower Village, Wi Yeol.
Two of Thousand-Day Plum Blossom's top hands coming personally? Shocking.
"What brings you two here in person?"
"Haha, just following orders. Boss wanted it delivered and feedback straight from the source—what could I say?"
His sly grin prompted a wave to the errand boy, who dashed inside and returned with chilled water.
"You've had a rough trip."
"Ahh... hits the spot. Wi Yeol, drink up. Bet that silent treatment was stifling. Anyway, mind if we crash here a few days?"
Music to my ears. I nodded with a smile; Ki Cha-jo leaned in, voice low.
"Heard things around here are heating up. Last time, Demonic Cult hit the village and sect, right?"
"Yes."
"Fail once and they don't quit—classic demonic scum. Boss had us stay put as precaution, payback for last time. Hope it blows over, but if not, we'll pitch in."
Oh... the seeds I'd sown with the Azure Merchant Group were bearing fruit.
Ki Cha-jo and Wi Yeol? Strong enough to handle any fight.
I'd planned to request one or the other from Thousand-Day Plum Blossom; both? Jackpot.
"I'll set up rooms. Lads! Guests of honor!"
"Hahaha, much obliged."
Old Ki chuckled as they entered; Wi Yeol gave a curt bow.
Only then did the merchant hands unload for the warehouse, bustling about.
A clear voice from behind.
"Need a hand?"
"Hm?"
Turning: a stunning redhead, fiery as ever. Long crimson robes to her elbows, short pants baring her thighs.
Hongryeon in Crimson Star Sect garb—familiar sight.
Right, she'd taken patrol duty.
Figured she hadn't shown with the soldier-only shifts lately. I stared; she averted her eyes.
"Ahem. Needed time to sort my insights. Told the office."
"I see."
"Got it together, so patrols are mine from now on..."
"Got it. But something wrong? You seem off."
She'd been fidgeting—looked unwell. As I stepped closer, she backed away fast.
"No?! Nothing?! Totally fine?!"
Her face flushed; she glanced away, embarrassed by her fluster.
Don't call it out—worse.
"Anyway, helping? Don't you have patrol?"
"Came early..."
True enough. Time to kill, so she rolled up sleeves and hefted boxes like a pro.
Martial artist through and through—those slim arms juggling multiples effortlessly.
"Where to?"
"Follow me."
I grabbed one. Lame compared to her load.
In the dim back warehouse, she set them down where I pointed.
"What's all this?"
"Nothing special. Oh, got a proposal. Wait here? Gotta run an errand, explain after."
"Where?"
She swallowed, tense; I shrugged casually.
"County office."
She could've waited but tagged along. No issue, so we hauled the cart together.
These crates held the Azure Merchant Group's new gear.
The magistrate inspected outside, nodded approval.
"Excellent. Payment as promised, later."
"Appreciate it."
Soldiers unloaded.
Cart empty, I asked Hongryeon, watching from behind.
"Ride?"
No need to walk. I climbed the driver's seat; she hesitated, then hopped up lightly.
And plopped right beside me.
Plenty of space in back—why?
"What? Hate it?"
"Nah, whatever."
Her nearness brought a sweet scent tickling my nose. Perfume? I glanced; eyes met.
"...What?"
"Nice smell."
"Oh, made a sachet—dried flowers, condensed the scent."
But richer than that prior Thousand-Day Plum Blossom fragrance...
"S-stop sniffing? Embarrassing."
"My bad."
Silence after. Nothing much to say.
Back at the inn, I led her inside. Still time till patrol.
"So, the proposal?"
"Want the Crimson Star Sect to test this."
Pulled one from the Azure shipment. Opened: small jar. Offered it.
She tilted her head, broke the seal.
Inside: brown-clumped pills.
"Satiation Pills."
Satiation Pills!
One keeps you full!
"Azure's new product—they want feedback. So."
I held out the jar.
"Try 'em at the sect, let me know. Taste sucks, sorry."
One big reason the Crimson Star Sect fell: rations tainted with odorless, colorless poison that kicked in later—they never knew.
Culprit: Iron Blood Clan exec Yang Sang-gunja, Go Yu-mi. Weak in martial arts but master of Shadowless Divine Step—snuck into men's quarters easy. Poisoning the pantry? Cakewalk.
Disciples cooked the tainted grub unaware, got poisoned. Inevitable.
Mass casualties; Sword Saint absorbed toxins mid-fight detoxing them, burned huge inner energy. Couldn't hold out, poisoned herself.
Battered, she fell to the onslaught. Unavoidable.
Sloppy yet solid plan.
But with me? Perfect setup for counterkill.
To block it: stick to Satiation Pills for meals awhile.
Community wisdom picked it as solid counter.
No rice? Eat crackers. Poisoned rice? Pills!!
Hahaha!
"Weird. One fills you up?"
"Herbs, grains, honey, etc.—surprisingly hearty."
Truth: I'd planned these myself. Didn't know Azure beat me to it.
Who cares who makes 'em? Made and usable—that's key.
"How long to test?"
Hongryeon sniffed a pill, puzzled. I smiled.
"At least a month. Tough on taste buds... but feast after."
She eyed it, popped one, chewed, puzzled again.
"Tastes fine."
"No way."
I tried one: edible but "why this?" weirdness spread.
Sour start.
Then bitter tang.
Subtle spice clashing.
Faint sweet under oily after.
Blanketing fishiness assaulting the tongue—what?!
How even? Pure Celestial Moon "indescribable."
And she likes it?
"Kids'll love it."
"...This?"
She devoured sweets, scarfed my meal last time—taste buds fine?
Amazed, she shrugged.
"Ate worse without you around."
Ah... high tolerance.
After work, gotta spoil 'em with good eats.